Expect the Falcons to take some early vertical chances in the passing game. Almost nothing will force Eagles' defensive coordinator Jim Johnson to back off the pressure, but the Falcons still want to make their opponents as honest as possible in order to give RBs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett better fronts against which to run.

The Falcons lack reliable receivers at this point but Michael Jenkins, Dez White and Roddy White all have the speed to challenge DC's Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard and Dexter Wynn. QB Michael Vick has rare arm strength on the deep ball and can drive it downfield in a hurry if one of his receivers gets over the top. TE Alge Crumpler also has the deep speed and pass-catching ability to provide the big-play down the middle of the field. An early score would help build confidence after notching just 10 points in last season's playoff loss at Philly. And even if they don't connect, it at least will plant a seed in Johnson's mind.